Want to share some Christmas or New Year messages and support local community projects? The brilliant Olivia at Bubble Play Cafe has set up a lovely way to do it. Pop into Windmill Hill City Farm, Trylla, Pet’s Palace or Wilkos and pick a gorgeous card designed by a local artist, Yoli Ward-Streeter for just 50p and write your message to hang on the tree outside Bubble Play Cafe on East Street. The tree will be out from 10am to 4pm every day until Christmas. We’d love to see your photos so please share any with us!

The Pass the Parcel project was a huge success. A total of 320 children and their respective 170 families, as well as 75 people in shelters or temporary accommodation in the BS3 area received parcels of festive goodies and presents. All thanks to you! In addition, we have had been flooded with monetary donations. We used some of that money to fill gaps in the presents we did not receive from the Wish List and the remaining money to the BS3 Larder’s Toy Voucher Fund as we felt this embodies the spirit of Pass the Parcel. Any financially struggling parent can apply to the BS3 Larder for a voucher to get a present for their child’s birthday. This way your generosity will be felt all through the next year.

The project had support from residents, organisations and businesses such as Storysmith, Upfest, Bristol Bears Foundation, Toyville and many others. Huge thanks to them and to the Admin team: Ellie Freeman, Jane Reavey, Jacqui Kean and Julia Lock. We are all very tired but are incredibly happy knowing that Christmas will be that little bit more enjoyable for those we have been able to help.